Hearing Aids for Tinnitus Relief in Northeast Ohio
If you're experiencing ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears alongside hearing loss, hearing aids may be your first step toward relief. At Sounds of Life Hearing Center, our Doctors of Audiology specialize in fitting hearing aids with advanced tinnitus features that help your brain tune out the noise.
Do Hearing Aids Really Help with Tinnitus?
Yes—for most people, hearing aids provide meaningful tinnitus relief.
Many patients ask us, "do hearing aids help tinnitus?" The answer is yes—hearing aids and tinnitus treatment often go hand-in-hand, especially when hearing loss is involved.
Here's why: About 90% of people with tinnitus also have some degree of hearing loss, even if it's mild or limited to certain frequencies. When hearing loss goes untreated, your brain works harder to "hear" and often amplifies internal signals—including the phantom sounds of tinnitus.
Hearing aids address this in two powerful ways:
They restore the sounds you've been missing.
When your brain receives more input from the world around you, it naturally pays less attention to the internal ringing. This is called sound enrichment.
Many include built-in tinnitus relief features.
Modern hearing aids offer masking sounds, white noise generators, and even specialized therapies like Widex Zen that play soothing tones to help your brain habituate to tinnitus.
What the Research Shows
According to the American Tinnitus Association:
How Hearing Aids Reduce Tinnitus
Modern hearing aids combat tinnitus through multiple mechanisms. Understanding how they work can help you set realistic expectations.
Sound Enrichment
When you have hearing loss, your brain receives less auditory input. It compensates by turning up its internal "volume"—which can make tinnitus more noticeable.
Hearing aids restore natural sound input, giving your brain real sounds to process instead of focusing on phantom ones. Many patients notice their tinnitus becomes less prominent simply by wearing hearing aids throughout the day.
Tinnitus Masking
Most premium hearing aids include built-in sound generators that can play:
- White, pink, or brown noise
- Ocean waves and nature sounds
- Customized tones matched to your tinnitus frequency
- Fractal music (like Widex Zen)
These sounds blend with your tinnitus, making it less distinct and less bothersome. Over time, your brain learns to categorize tinnitus as background noise.
App-Based Control
Today's hearing aids connect to smartphone apps that let you:
- Adjust tinnitus relief sounds in real-time
- Switch between programs for different environments
- Track your tinnitus patterns over time
- Access guided relaxation exercises
Brands like ReSound, Signia, and Widex offer robust tinnitus management apps included with their hearing aids.
Which Hearing Aids Are Best for Tinnitus?
The "best" hearing aid for tinnitus is the one that's properly fitted to your unique hearing loss and tinnitus profile. That said, several brands offer exceptional tinnitus-specific features.
At Sounds of Life, we fit all major hearing aid brands and will recommend options based on your evaluation results—not sales quotas.
| Brand | Tinnitus Feature | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widex | Zen Therapy | Plays random, chime-like fractal tones that relax the mind without demanding attention | Stress-related tinnitus, those who find white noise irritating |
| Signia | Notch Therapy + Tinnitus Masker | Notch therapy reduces amplification at your tinnitus frequency; masker adds relief sounds | Tonal tinnitus at a specific pitch |
| ReSound | Relief App | Extensive sound therapy library with customizable soundscapes and guided exercises | Those who want maximum control and variety |
| Phonak | Tinnitus Balance | Noise generator with app-based control and combination programs | Mild tinnitus combined with hearing loss |
| Oticon | Tinnitus SoundSupport | Ocean-like sounds and broadband noise integrated into hearing aid processing | Natural sound preference |
Widex
Zen Therapy
Plays random, chime-like fractal tones that relax the mind without demanding attention
Signia
Notch Therapy + Tinnitus Masker
Notch therapy reduces amplification at your tinnitus frequency; masker adds relief sounds
ReSound
Relief App
Extensive sound therapy library with customizable soundscapes and guided exercises
Phonak
Tinnitus Balance
Noise generator with app-based control and combination programs
Oticon
Tinnitus SoundSupport
Ocean-like sounds and broadband noise integrated into hearing aid processing
Why Fitting Matters More Than Brand
A $6,000 hearing aid programmed incorrectly will provide less relief than a $3,000 aid fitted by an expert. Our Doctors of Audiology spend extensive time customizing your hearing aids to your specific hearing loss pattern AND your tinnitus characteristics.
This is why we recommend seeing an audiologist—not a big-box retailer or online seller—for tinnitus-related hearing aid fittings.
When You May Need More Than Hearing Aids
Hearing aids help many tinnitus patients, but they're not always sufficient on their own. We believe in honest guidance—if hearing aids aren't your best path to relief, we'll tell you.
Hearing aids work best when:
- You have measurable hearing loss (even mild)
- Your tinnitus is mild to moderate in severity
- Sound enrichment provides noticeable relief
- You'll wear them consistently throughout the day
You may need additional treatment if:
- Tinnitus severely impacts your sleep, concentration, or mood
- Hearing aids help but don't provide enough relief
- You have normal hearing but bothersome tinnitus
- You're looking for faster or more significant improvement
- Your tinnitus causes anxiety or emotional distress
Comprehensive Tinnitus Care at Sounds of Life
We offer a full spectrum of evidence-based tinnitus treatments. If hearing aids alone aren't enough, we can combine them with other approaches—or recommend alternatives:
Comprehensive Tinnitus Treatment Program
Our 2-hour tinnitus evaluation explores all factors affecting your tinnitus and creates a personalized treatment plan.
Lenire® Neuromodulation Therapy
We're one of only 3 Ohio providers offering this FDA-cleared device that retrains your brain's response to tinnitus. 87% of our patients show significant improvement.
Modern Tinnitus Specialty Care
As a certified Modern Tinnitus clinic, we address brain, body, and emotional factors—not just your ears.
Your Hearing Aid & Tinnitus Consultation
Not sure if hearing aids are right for your tinnitus? We'll help you find out.
Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
We test your hearing across all frequencies, including the extended high frequencies often affected by tinnitus. This takes about 45-60 minutes and may be covered by insurance.
Tinnitus Assessment
We match the pitch and loudness of your tinnitus, measure how it affects your daily life, and identify patterns that guide treatment selection.
Treatment Discussion
Based on your results, we'll explain whether hearing aids, sound therapy, Lenire, or a combination approach makes the most sense for you. We never push products—we recommend solutions.
Hearing Aid Demonstration
If hearing aids are appropriate, we can demonstrate tinnitus relief features in real-time so you can experience the difference before committing.
Our Promise
Not everyone with tinnitus needs hearing aids. If your hearing is normal or hearing aids aren't your best option, we'll tell you honestly and recommend alternatives. Our goal is your relief—not a sale.
Hearing Aid Costs & Insurance Coverage
Hearing aids with tinnitus features are an investment in your quality of life. Here's what to expect:
Pricing Information
Hearing aids at Sounds of Life range from approximately $2,500 to $7,000 per pair, depending on technology level and features. This includes:
- Professional fitting and programming
- Tinnitus feature customization
- Follow-up adjustments
- Ongoing support
Insurance Coverage Varies
Many insurance plans cover part of hearing aid costs. Some plans also cover the diagnostic hearing evaluation. We verify your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect.
Tip: HSA and FSA funds can typically be used for hearing aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hearing aids help most people with tinnitus (ringing in the ears). They work in two ways: by amplifying external sounds so your brain focuses less on the internal ringing, and through built-in masking features that provide direct relief. Research shows about 60% of tinnitus patients experience meaningful improvement with properly fitted hearing aids.
The best hearing aids that help with tinnitus depend on your specific hearing loss and tinnitus profile. Widex offers Zen Therapy with calming fractal tones. Signia provides Notch Therapy that targets your tinnitus frequency. ReSound has an extensive Relief app with customizable soundscapes. Our audiologists will recommend the best tinnitus hearing devices based on your evaluation—not brand preferences.
Properly fitted hearing aids should not make tinnitus worse. In rare cases, incorrectly programmed aids or over-amplification can temporarily increase awareness of tinnitus. This is why professional fitting by a Doctor of Audiology—not a retail dispenser—is essential for tinnitus patients.
Coverage varies by plan. Many insurance plans cover part of hearing aid costs, and diagnostic hearing evaluations are often covered separately. We verify your specific benefits before your appointment. HSA and FSA funds can typically be used for hearing aids.
Many patients notice some relief immediately when wearing hearing aids with masking features. However, the full benefit of sound enrichment and habituation typically develops over 2-3 months of consistent daily use. We schedule follow-up appointments to optimize your settings as your brain adjusts.
If hearing aids provide only partial relief, we offer additional treatments including Lenire neuromodulation therapy (87% of our patients improve), cognitive behavioral therapy referrals, sound therapy, and our Modern Tinnitus specialty program. Many patients benefit from combining hearing aids with other approaches.
Yes. A comprehensive hearing evaluation is essential to determine whether hearing aids are appropriate and, if so, how to program them correctly. We also assess your tinnitus to ensure we select hearing aids with features matched to your specific symptoms.
OTC hearing aids may help mild hearing loss but typically lack the sophisticated tinnitus management features found in prescription devices. More importantly, they cannot be professionally programmed to your specific hearing loss and tinnitus profile. For tinnitus relief, we recommend professionally fitted hearing aids.
Real Relief for Real Patients
"It was an incredible experience with Sarah Curtis and her team. I have been having a terrible time dealing with tinnitus for 8 months and have tried every product and device I could find but nothing has worked. She spent a significant amount of time with me testing and measuring my hearing and learning all about me and my problem. We now have a multi stage plan to minimize the tinnitus in my life going forward. I now am totally encouraged and confident that with the plan and Dr. Curtis's help, tinnitus will ultimately become insignificant."
Find Out if Hearing Aids Can Help Your Tinnitus
You don't have to live with constant ringing. Schedule a tinnitus and hearing evaluation with our Doctors of Audiology. We'll determine whether hearing aids, Lenire therapy, or another approach is right for you—and create a personalized path to relief.
Expert tinnitus care • Doctorate-level audiologists • All major hearing aid brands • One of only 3 Lenire providers in Ohio